Angelo Brizzi’s decision to join the Tar Heels comes after a season in which he started every game for Buffalo, delivering a career‑high 27 points against UMass and shooting 37.3 percent from three‑point range. The 6‑foot‑3 graduate student arrives in Chapel Hill with a well‑traveled collegiate résumé that includes stops at Villanova, Davidson and Longwood, giving him a unique blend of experience and versatility.
A Revamped Backcourt
Coach Michael Malone’s first full roster features ten new faces, among them Brizzi, Terrence Brown, and Matt Able, who together form a backcourt that blends size, shooting and playmaking. The group also retains point guard Isaiah Denis and guard Jaydon Young, creating a depth chart that promises multiple scoring options and defensive flexibility.
Brizzi’s shooting pedigree is notable; he connected on 40.2 percent from beyond the arc during the 2024‑25 campaign at Longwood and maintained an 83.4 percent free‑throw rate at Buffalo, ranking among the top performers in the Mid‑American Conference. His season‑high performances included six assists against Central Michigan and eight made threes versus South Alabama, underscoring his ability to stretch defenses and create opportunities for teammates.
The recruitment narrative traces back to Brizzi’s early interest in UNC, sparked by a September 2019 unofficial visit to watch the football team open its season against Appalachian State. Former UNC assistant Brad Frederick served as the primary recruiter before Brizzi committed to Villanova in July 2020, a path that ultimately led him to Buffalo and now to Chapel Hill.
Implications for the Upcoming Season
Beyond individual statistics, Brizzi’s arrival signals a broader strategic shift for the Tar Heels. The program has secured two international commitments and three U.S. high‑school recruits, resulting in a roster that will feature ten newcomers in the 2026‑27 season. This infusion of talent aims to restore competitiveness and maintain the program’s tradition of excellence.
With a blend of veteran transfers and fresh prospects, UNC’s coaching staff is positioning the team to contend immediately while building a foundation for sustained success. Brizzi’s proven scoring ability and clutch performances are expected to complement the playmaking responsibilities earmarked for Virginia Tech transfer Neoklis Avdalas, who is slated to operate in a point‑forward role.